NEW YORK (Atlantic records announcement) - He's the man Ludacris, P. Diddy, and
Timbaland call when they need someone to take their records over the top. He's the MC whose style has been imitated by scores of rappers. And now he's the underground legend who is taking his rightful place in the hip-hop forefront.
Atlantic recording artist Twista debuts this week at No 1 on the SoundScan/Billboard 200 current album chart with his hotly anticipated new album, "Kamikaze" - his first full-fledged solo release in nearly seven years. The first breakthrough music industry story of the New Year, "Kamikaze"'s first week sales of 312,000 units are more than triple that of the No 2-ranked album. "Kamikaze" simultaneously debuts at No 1 on the SoundScan/Billboard "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart.
The explosive debut from the Chicago pioneer was spurred on by the smash crossover success of the single, "Slow Jamz," which is the #1 most-played song at radio stations across the country. The acclaimed track - which features Kanye West and Jamie Foxx - is currently No 1 on the Billboard Airplay Monitor Rap, R&B/Hip-Hop, and Rhythmic Top 40 charts, while bulleting rapidly up the Mainstream Top 40/Pop listings. The single is also on track for the No 1 spot on both the Billboard "Hot 100" and "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks" charts, where it currently ranks at No 2.
The "Slow Jamz" companion video is also a runaway smash. It is currently the No 1 most-played video on MTV and BET, in "Blowtorch" rotation on MTV2, among the top ten most-requested videos on MTV's "TRL" and BET's "106 & Park," one of MTV.com's top five Most-Streamed Videos, and airing on VH1 Soul and Fuse. In the online world, "Slow Jamz" was the No 1 video on Launch/Music on Yahoo! for four consecutive weeks, racking up an impressive 2.6 million streams. A performance of "Slow Jamz" featuring Kanye West will be taped for "Sessions@AOL," and both BET.com and Music Match are hosting "Kamikaze" listening parties.
In its 3�-star rave review of "KAMIKAZE," the Los Angeles Times says that the album "presents Twista's dazzling rapping skills...By walking the fine line between street genius and mainstream appeal, Twista will likely enjoy the stardom and acclaim that have eluded him." Vibe magazine also awarded the album 3� stars, stating that "Twista is truly your favorite rapper's favorite rapper... fans are chomping at the bit for 'Kamikaze'... and they won't be disappointed." And in its 3-star review, USA Today proclaims, "It has been a long climb for Twista, but clearly it's his turn to be the main event."
Twista, who is currently on an extensive cross-country promotional trek in support of "Kamikaze," will hit the road in the spring for a concert tour of large clubs. Slated to run from April 12th to May 21st, the bill will also feature Atlantic labelmate T.I.
While it has been a long time since Twista has put the focus on a project all his own, he has been far from idle. His A-list status as the rapper's rapper has kept him in constant demand to drop his trademark style on tracks by a hip-hop's who's who: Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Timbaland & Magoo, Ludacris, Memphis Bleek, Trick Daddy, 112, Trina, Do or Die, and many others.
Vivid proof of Twista's enduring appeal is the ongoing success of his last solo outing, 1997's "Adrenaline Rush." Widely acknowledged as a hip-hop benchmark, the album has continued to sell consistently since its release and has "quietly" scanned over 820,000. This week alone, the album sold over 3,500 copies, ranking No 14 on the catalog R&B album chart, and would place squarely in the top 100 of the current SoundScan/Billboard national R&B/Hip-Hop album chart - were it not for the fact that the album is now only eligible for catalog listings.
Twista's rapid-fire delivery earned him a Guinness World Record as the world's fastest rapper, but it is the range and depth of his skill that have earned him true acclaim and rare longevity. While until now Twista may have been largely under the radar as far as the hip-hop public at large was concerned, he has become one of the most important figures in rap history. In a musical era often defined by here today-gone tomorrow success, Twista has crafted a decade-long career based on genuine talent and a truly unique approach.
In addition to his frequent guest appearances with other artists, Twista has been an active behind-the-scenes entrepreneur. In 1998, he released the acclaimed "Mobstability" album with the Speedknot Mobstaz, and then launched his own Legit Ballin' imprint, which has released three "ghetto gold" compilations.
"Kamikaze" sees Twista joined by a variety of special guests, including Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, R. Kelly, Ludacris, Cee-Lo, 8 Ball, Too Short, T.I., Anthony Hamilton, Jazze Pha, and others.
